The best scuba diving in Asia depends on purpose, time of year, and of course how much a challenge to get to. For example, few places in the world are as beginner friendly as Koh Tao, Thailand, which as one time was second in the world for PADI certifying new divers. If your trip is not all about diving, then a destination with other experiences and attractions, such as Borneo which features an abundance of wildlife, may be the best choice.
1. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, PHILIPPINES ★★★★★
2. Raja Ampat, West Papua, INDONESIA ★★★★★
3. Similan Islands, THAILAND ★★★★★
4. Derawan Islands, BORNEO ★★★
5. Sipadan, BORNEO ★★★★★
6. Koh Tao, THAILAND ★★★
7. Mergui Archipelago, MYANMAR ★★★★★
8. Komodo National Park, INDONESIA ★★★★
9. Kerama Islands, Okinawa, JAPAN ★★★★
★ = Quality
= Difficulty
Dive Season Dates (Green = Best time of year to dive):
Season: March to mid-June
The island province of Palawan which includes Tubbataha, is one of the most diverse and captivating in the Philippines archipelago home to rugged steep limestone rocks, white sandy beaches and rich turquoise waters creating amazing sceneries. Tubbataha is one of the best diving destinations in the world. The first National Park within the Philippines covering over 1,800 islands and 100,000 hectares of protected reefs. Coron Bay features the best collection of wreck diving in the Philippines boasting 11 Japanese World War Two ships.
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The Raja Ampat Islands are an Indonesian archipelago off the northwest tip of Bird’s Head Peninsula in West Papua. Famed for its hundreds of jungle-covered islands, Raja Ampat has stunning beaches and pristine clear blue water coral reefs teeming with marine life. Its most famous island is Pianemo, the largest and most picturesque.
Season: October to May
Season: National Park is open from mid-October through to mid-May.
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Season: March to October.
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Season: April to December
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Season: March to September
Pros:
Season: Late October and mid-May
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Season: March to October
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